USVI Governor calls for peace in communities following recent murders
Governor Albert Bryan has condemned recent violent incidents which have left communities and families across the US Virgin Islands in mourning.
At a media conference last evening, Bryan said he joins the community in mourning the deaths.
Bryan stated the incidents, which include the murder of 19-year-old Jahmari Santiago following Sunday’s mass shooting at a nightclub, is a complete turnaround for the territory, which was celebrating the success of its athletes at the 2023 CARIFTA Games.
“This is a small community, and we are all affected by these disturbances, and we grieve together as we are so intimately connected,” he said.
The Governor noted that many people are dealing with stress and other issues, which he said can be consuming for many people in the community.
“This is why we have invested in programs like ‘Our Best Life’ to get people out and active post-pandemic and why our Administration is making a serious effort to return to the glory days of youth and adult recreation in the territory by investing in our parks,” Bryan said. “It is also why we continue to modernize and improve behavioural health services in the Territory and continue our efforts through the VIPD, the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and comprehensive collaboration with our federal partners to encourage positive youth engagement, deter the use of illegal firearms, remove violent offenders from our streets and curb the proliferation of guns pouring into our territory.”
The Governor also praised the potential and promised that Virgin Islanders embodied and urged the community to unite to watch over our neighbours.
“Like I mentioned last week, the promise and potential of our people are boundless, and I genuinely believe that together, there is no feat we can’t achieve,” Bryan said. “Surely, just looking out for one another and taking a moment to think before we act or taking the time to consider someone else’s circumstances is something we as a Virgin Islands community can return to. So, I am asking that we get back to that.
With the carnival season in the air, Bryan urges Virgin Islanders to participate in the festivities safely and responsibly.
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